Joanna James
The shipping industry is now experiencing a number of emerging trends, such as better and larger ships, greater specialization, green developments, data analytics and more, as described below.
Today, there would be several colossal commercial shipping vessels engaged in the transport of containers on the oceans of the world. The largest of these vessels would be more than a thousand feet in length and capable of carrying cargos equivalent to more than 5,000 truckloads. In recent times, container ships have steadily become better, larger and more sophisticated, and these developments are expected to continue. The trends of automation and containerization have supported these developments by making possible the rapid loading and discharging of ships.
Until recent times, the use of containers was considered to be the sole viable way of carrying cargo. On the other hand, today, many specialized vessels have been constructed that have the ability to transport problematic cargo. Today you will find ships that have the capability to transport goods such as chemicals, refrigerated cargo and heavy equipment like trucks and cars. Due to these developments, the crews of ships now possess specialized know-how regarding commercial vessels and the cargoes they carry.
Just as in other sectors around the world, the shipping industry is experiencing efforts towards environmental friendliness. Whilst ships are becoming bigger as well as more efficient, innovations towards diminishing container ships' environmental footprint are also being experienced. Additionally, developments are afoot to reduce sulfur and carbon emissions, and to upgrade the functioning of engines and propellers. These developments would only be the commencement of the green revolution that is transforming commercial shipping, with many more sophisticated innovations in the pipeline.
Many kinds of data are now being collected during shipping operations; these would include cargo data, accident data, weather data and so on. The data thus gathered would be analyzed and made use of to improve the efficiency of shipping operations. Shipping firms are now able to use sophisticated algorithms to analyze data and thereby streamline their functions. These data analytics have greatly enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of various aspects of commercial shipping.
Technological advances are expected to transform the shipping industry with new kinds of machinery and robotics continually coming into use. It is expected that in the near future, robots would be developed that would have the capability to handle cargo and conduct inspections within challenging environments and weather conditions. Additionally, new varieties of sensors, monitors and remote control technologies are expected to be developed that would make it possible for hazardous processes to be performed without direct human involvement. An example of a gateway terminal that has implemented cutting-edge technologies would be South Asia Gateway Terminals in Sri Lanka.
Along with developments in communication technologies, vessels engaged in commercial shipping would be linked more directly with operators. Such operators would have the ability to conveniently monitor vessels via technologies like recording devices, live audio streams and video streams. In this way, operators would be able to make decisions in real time with regard to ship operations and management. Crew members could also be monitored and their needs looked after through these technologies.
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